George Says Toe Almost 100 Percent

September 4, 2001|By Chris Perkins Staff Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Eddie George did his research.

The Tennessee running back looked up toe injury cases such as Deion Sanders, the former Atlanta, San Francisco and Dallas cornerback, and Dolphins receiver O.J. McDuffie, who had surgery to repair a ligament on his right big toe in February.

"I know about their situations," said George, who has rushed for at least 1,294 yards in each of his five NFL seasons. "Mine was different from theirs. I had to trust the doctors and trainers and what they had done to me and take it from there."

George, who was limited in training camp, said his toe is healthy and ready for Sunday's opener against the Dolphins.

"If not 100 percent," he said of the toe, "99.5 percent."

Still, George hardly has tested his injury in a game situation. He had 11 carries for 27 yards in two exhibition games to go along with two receptions for 19 yards.

If George is healthy, the Titans' offense is among the most dangerous in the NFL. If George isn't healthy, Tennessee will probably struggle against the Dolphins' defense.

The Titans didn't rush George back; instead, they stayed with a strict, non-contact rehabilitation program. The payoff is that George said he feels great now, since he hasn't taken the pounding from exhibition games.

George showed no ill effects of the toe injury in Monday's practice and reported no pain following practice.

"He looked really good; he was cutting really good," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "I don't think [the lack of preseason play] is an issue. Once the lights go on he's going to forget about only having [11] carries in the preseason."

High expectations

Fisher has a healthy appreciation for the Dolphins' defense.

"They're aggressive, and they've got good players," he said. "Their corners and safeties are as good as anybody's in the league. Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain are as good as any corner you'll find. [Middle linebacker] Zach Thomas is playing sideline to sideline making plays, probably one of the more consistent open-field tacklers you'll find.

[Defensive end] Jason Taylor is as good as there is. They've got big guys inside. They will overcome the loss of [end] Trace Armstrong. They should be better than they were last year."

Rolle-ing along

Pro Bowl cornerback Samari Rolle, who is trying to negotiate a six-year, $36 million deal with the Titans, said he's not worrying about his contract situation, which caused him to leave training camp last week. "My situation is I'm concentrating on Miami," Rolle said. "Really, I'm just happy to be back playing and competing.'' ...

Cornerback Andre Dyson (toe) likely will miss the opener. All of the other Titans should be healthy.